Exploring Bavaria: Must-Visit Sites For Your Itinerary

Bavaria is the largest state in Germany, located in the country's southeast corner and sharing borders with Austria and the Czech Republic. It is one of Germany's most popular tourist destinations, offering spectacular mountain peaks, rolling hills, and lovely lakes. The region has a unique culture with traditions and cuisine often conflated with Germany as a whole, such as beer halls, bratwurst, and its distinctive architecture.

Bavaria has a range of attractions, from romantic castles and grand imperial palaces to contemporary art, cutting-edge architecture, and interactive museums. The state is also steeped in history, with many well-preserved medieval towns and villages. Here is a list of some of the best sites to visit in Bavaria:

- Marienplatz in Munich, where you can watch the Glockenspiel, a huge clock with moving figures.

- Zugspitze, Germany's tallest mountain, which is extremely popular among hikers and casual walkers alike, with numerous trails.

- Nymphenburg and the Residenz, Munich's royal palaces.

- Nürnberg Castle and Altstadt (Old Town).

- The Englischer Garten (English Garden) in Munich, one of the most popular places to go for locals and tourists.

- Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of the most beautiful towns on the Romantic Road, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and charming Christmas Market.

- Linderhof Palace, one of King Ludwig II of Bavaria's crazy castle creations.

- Königssee, one of the most beautiful spots in Bavaria with its emerald green lake surrounded by steep wooded mountainsides.

- The KZ-Gedenkstätte Dachau, the first concentration camp built by the Nazis, now a somber memorial to the victims.

- Schloss Neuschwanstein, the world's most famous castle, which served as the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty's castle at Disneyland.

- Oktoberfest in Munich, the world's largest fair and one of the best festivals in Germany, attracting over six million visitors annually.

- Nuremberg (Nürnberg), Bavaria's second-largest city, known for its Imperial Castle, romantic Old Town, and one of the country's best Christmas markets.

- Bamberg, a Bavarian town nicknamed the Franconian Rome, featuring one of Europe's largest intact old town centers and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

- The Bavarian Alps, home to Germany's highest peak, the Zugspitze, and popular for winter sports and summer excursions.

- The Eagle's Nest, a mountaintop chalet built as a gift from the Nazi Party for Hitler's 50th birthday, now a restaurant and beer garden.

Characteristics	Values
Castles	Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau, Linderhof, Herrenchiemsee, Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle's Nest), Residenz, Neues Schloss Schleissheim, Nymphenburg, Schleissheim, Bamberg Cathedral, Trausnitz, Altenburg, Schönau
Towns	Munich, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Nuremberg, Landshut, Augsburg, Würzburg, Regensburg, Dinkelsbühl, Bamberg, Passau, Berchtesgaden, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Priena, Lindau, Füssen, Weltenburg, Konstanz, Bregenz, Meersburg, Konstanz, Lindau, Friedrichshafen
Natural Wonders	Zugspitze, Königssee, Danube, Inn, Ilz, Chiemsee, Obersee, Eibsee, Partnach Gorge, Weltenburg Abbey, Danube Gorge, Franconian Lake District, Untersee, Obersee, Lake Constance, Rhine Falls, Main River, Lechkanal, Lech River, Regnez River, Main River, Franconian Switzerland, Alpine Peaks, Watzmann
Other	Marienplatz, KZ-Gedenkstätte Dachau, BMW Museum, Olympiapark, Pinakothek der Moderne, Bayerisches Nationalmuseum, Asamkirche, Viktualienmarkt, Englischer Garten, Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, Glyptothek, Staatliches Antikensammlung, Lenbachhaus, Befreiungshalle, Walhalla Memorial, Porta Praetoria, Alte Residenz, Königsbau, Festsaalbau, Antiquarium, Court Church of All Saints, All Saints Chapel, St. Peter's Church, Frauenkirche Cathedral, Peterskirche, Michaelskirche, Domplatz, Residenzplatz, Alte Rathaus, St. Lorenz, St. Lawrence, Hauptmarkt, St. Bartholomew, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, Glyptothek, Staatliches Antikensammlung, Lenbachhaus, Weltenburg Abbey, Domplatz, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Alte Rathaus, Walhalla, Befreiungshalle, Prunn Castle, St. Kilian's Cathedral, Residenzplatz, Neue Residenz, Glasmuseum Passau, Domplatz, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Alte Rathaus, Walhalla, Asamkirche, Dom St Peter, Domplatz, St. Peter's Cathedral, Altes Rathaus, Obere Pfarre, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Glyptothek, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Glyptothek, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Glyptothek, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Alte Rathaus, St. Lorenz, St. Lawrence, Hauptmarkt, St. Bartholomew, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, Glyptothek, Staatliches Antikensammlung, Lenbachhaus, Weltenburg Abbey, Domplatz, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Alte Rathaus, Walhalla, Asamkirche, Dom St Peter, Domplatz, St. Peter's Cathedral, Altes Rathaus, Obere Pfarre, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Glyptothek, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Alte Rathaus, St. Lorenz, St. Lawrence, Hauptmarkt, St. Bartholomew, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, Glyptothek, Staatliches Antikensammlung, Lenbachhaus, Weltenburg Abbey, Domplatz, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Alte Rathaus, Walhalla, Asamkirche, Dom St Peter, Domplatz, St. Peter's Cathedral, Altes Rathaus, Obere Pfarre, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Glyptothek, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Alte Rathaus, St. Lorenz, St. Lawrence, Hauptmarkt, St. Bartholomew, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, Glyptothek, Staatliches Antikensammlung, Lenbachhaus, Weltenburg Abbey, Domplatz, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Alte Rathaus, Walhalla, Asamkirche, Dom St Peter, Domplatz, St. Peter's Cathedral, Altes Rathaus, Obere Pfarre, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Glyptothek, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Alte Rathaus, St. Lorenz, St. Lawrence, Hauptmarkt, St. Bartholomew, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, Glyptothek, Staatliches Antikensammlung, Lenbachhaus, Weltenburg Abbey, Domplatz, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Alte Rathaus, Walhalla, Asamkirche, Dom St Peter, Domplatz, St. Peter's Cathedral, Altes Rathaus, Obere Pfarre, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Glyptothek, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Alte Rathaus, St. Lorenz, St. Lawrence, Hauptmarkt, St. Bartholomew, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, Glyptothek, Staatliches Antikensammlung, Lenbachhaus, Weltenburg Abbey, Domplatz, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Alte Rathaus, Walhalla, Asamkirche, Dom St Peter, Domplatz, St. Peter's Cathedral, Altes Rathaus, Obere Pfarre, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Glyptothek, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Alte Rathaus, St. Lorenz, St. Lawrence, Hauptmarkt, St. Bartholomew, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, Glyptothek, Staatliches Antikensammlung, Lenbachhaus, Weltenburg Abbey, Domplatz, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Alte Rathaus, Walhalla, Asamkirche, Dom St Peter, Domplatz, St. Peter's Cathedral, Altes Rathaus, Obere Pfarre, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Glyptothek, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Alte Rathaus, St. Lorenz, St. Lawrence, Hauptmarkt, St. 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Peter's Cathedral, Altes Rathaus, Obere Pfarre, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Glyptothek, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Alte Rathaus, St. Lorenz, St. Lawrence, Hauptmarkt, St. Bartholomew, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, Glyptothek, Staatliches Antikensammlung, Lenbachhaus, Weltenburg Abbey, Domplatz, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Alte Rathaus, Walhalla, Asamkirche, Dom St Peter, Domplatz, St. Peter's Cathedral, Altes Rathaus, Obere Pfarre, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Glyptothek, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Alte Rathaus, St. Lorenz, St. Lawrence, Hauptmarkt, St. Bartholomew, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, Glyptothek, Staatliches Antikensammlung, Lenbachhaus, Weltenburg Abbey, Domplatz, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Alte Rathaus, Walhalla, Asamkirche, Dom St Peter, Domplatz, St. Peter's Cathedral, Altes Rathaus, Obere Pfarre, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Glyptothek, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Alte Rathaus, St. Lorenz, St. Lawrence, Hauptmarkt, St. Bartholomew, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, Glyptothek, Staatliches Antikensammlung, Lenbachhaus, Weltenburg Abbey, Domplatz, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Alte Rathaus, Walhalla, Asamkirche, Dom St Peter, Domplatz, St. Peter's Cathedral, Altes Rathaus, Obere Pfarre, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Glyptothek, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Alte Rathaus, St. Lorenz, St. Lawrence, Hauptmarkt, St. Bartholomew, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, Glyptothek, Staatliches Antikensammlung, Lenbachhaus, Weltenburg Abbey, Domplatz, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Alte Rathaus, Walhalla, Asamkirche, Dom St Peter, Domplatz, St. Peter's Cathedral, Altes Rathaus, Obere Pfarre, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Glyptothek, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Alte Pinakothek, Deutsches Museum, Viktualienmarkt, Alte Rathaus, St. Lorenz, St. Lawrence, Hauptmarkt, St. Bartholomew, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Alte Pinakothek, Neue Pinakothek, Pinakothek der Moderne, Glyptothek, Staatliches Antikensammlung, Lenbachhaus, Weltenburg Abbey, Domplatz, St. Stephen's Cathedral, Alte Rathaus, Walhalla, Asamkirche, Dom St Peter, Domplatz, St. Peter's Cathedral, Altes Rathaus, Obere Pfarre, Tiergarten Nürnberg, Olympiapark, Tiergarten Nürnberg, 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Neuschwanstein Castle

The castle was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria, who wished to escape the constraints of court life in Munich. Construction began in 1869 but was never completed. The castle was intended to be a private residence for the king, but he died in 1886, and it was opened to the public shortly after.

Neuschwanstein is one of the most famous attractions in Germany, receiving more than 1.3 million visitors annually. It is rumoured to be the inspiration for the castle in Disney's "Cinderella" and "Sleeping Beauty". The castle can only be visited as part of a guided tour, and no photography is allowed inside.

The castle is entered through a symmetrical Gatehouse, with red brick exterior walls and yellow limestone court fronts. The upper floor of the Gatehouse was King Ludwig II's first lodging at Neuschwanstein. The passage through the Gatehouse, crowned with the royal coat of arms of Bavaria, leads to a courtyard with two levels. The southern end of the courtyard is open, providing a view of the surrounding mountain scenery. The western end is delimited by a bricked embankment, marking the choir of a projected chapel that was never built.

The most striking structure in the upper courtyard is the Rectangular Tower, which provides a vast view over the Alpine foothills to the north. The northern end of the courtyard is defined by the Knights' House, a three-storey building connected to the Rectangular Tower and the Gatehouse by a continuous gallery. The Bower, which defines the south side of the courtyard, was intended to be the ladies' house but was never used as such.

The western end of the courtyard is delimited by the Palas, the main residential building of the castle. The Palas is a colossal five-story structure in the shape of two huge cuboids, covered by two adjacent high gable roofs. The building's shape follows the course of the ridge. The western Palas front supports a two-storey balcony with a view of the Alpsee lake. The entire Palas is adorned with numerous decorative chimneys and ornamental turrets, the court front with colourful frescos.

Neuschwanstein was intended to have more than 200 rooms, but only about 15 were finished. The interior decoration generally refers to King Ludwig's favourite themes: the grail legend, the works of Wolfram von Eschenbach, and their interpretation by Richard Wagner. The Throne Room, for example, is finished with a 13-foot-tall chandelier, a painted cupola, and elaborate floor mosaics.

To visit Neuschwanstein Castle, travellers must first go to the village of Hohenschwangau, where the ticket centre is located. Tickets can be purchased online or on-site, subject to availability. The castle is open from 9 am to 6 pm between April 1 and October 15, and from 10 am to 4 pm from October 16 to March. It is closed on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.

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Munich

Marienplatz

Wander around Marienplatz, Munich's large central square, which is formed by the magnificent neo-Gothic facade of the Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall). The glockenspiel, a huge clock with moving figures, performs every morning at 11 am and 5 pm from March through October, always drawing a crowd.

Churches

A few steps from Marienplatz are two of the city's most important churches: Peterskirche, built during the Romanesque period, and Michaelskirche, the largest Renaissance church north of the Alps. The Frauenkirche, with its twin bell towers, is another iconic church in Munich. St. Peter's Church, dating from the 12th century, is also worth a visit, as its spire seems to pierce the sky.

Viktualienmarkt

Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Viktualienmarkt, Munich's famous food market. Sample local produce and traditional Bavarian delicacies, and enjoy the bustling environment.

Nymphenburg Palace

Explore Nymphenburg Palace, a magnificent Baroque palace surrounded by magnificent gardens. Once the summer residence of the royal family, the palace features lavishly decorated rooms, a three-story Stone Hall, and furnished private chambers. The highlights of Nymphenburg include its magnificent 17th-century gardens, with a formal bed, hedge maze, Palm House, and fountains.

Englischer Garten

Relax in the Englischer Garten (English Garden), one of the largest urban parks in the world. With 78 kilometers of pathways and bridle paths, it is a popular spot for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The Chinesischen Turm (Chinese Tower) is always a hub of activity, especially in December when it hosts a Christmas market.

Deutsches Museum

Tour the Deutsches Museum, the largest museum of science and technology in the world. With its rich collection of exhibits, the museum provides a fascinating insight into the world of science and technology.

Alte Pinakothek

Stop at the Alte Pinakothek, one of the top art museums in Munich, housing a collection of European paintings from the Dutch, Flemish, Italian, German, French, Spanish, and medieval masters.

Olympiapark

See the Olympiapark, the site of the 1972 Summer Olympics. The park features the Olympic Stadium, as well as other sports facilities and green spaces.

BMW Museum

Car enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the BMW Museum, which showcases the technical development of cars and motorcycles. The museum also has exhibits about the history of the company, with many old cars and motorcycles on display.

Hofbrauhaus

Experience the beer culture at the historic Hofbrauhaus, a traditional beer hall dating back to 1589. Enjoy steins of beer and hearty Bavarian food in this lively atmosphere.

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Rothenburg ob der Tauber

One of only three towns in Germany with completely intact city walls, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a walled medieval town filled with scenic streets, impressive towers, and many historic sites. It is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and charming old-world atmosphere, making it a popular destination for tourists.

Wander through the magical old town: Follow a guided walking tour, explore the alleys and find hidden places, and enjoy a cold beer in one of the best beer gardens.
Snap a photo of Plönlein: This picturesque intersection in the old town has all the Disney vibes and is one of the most photographed spots in the city.
Have a drink at the Marktplatz: The market square is surrounded by the Rathaus (town hall), Ratstrinkstube clock tower, and colourful shops. There are several terraces where you can sit and enjoy a refreshing drink.
Climb the Rathausturm: For a small fee, you can climb the town hall's tower and enjoy one of the best views in Rothenburg.
Take the Night Watchman Tour: On this tour, the Night Watchman will take you through the town after dark and tell you about its history and dark stories.
Walk the fortified city walls: Rothenburg is one of only three cities in Germany with intact medieval walls that you can walk for free.
Go inside the Spital Bastion: One of the most important defensive fortifications along the wall, the Spital Bastion is a well-preserved structure with windows offering cool wall views.
Get to know the legend of Rothenburg's mayor: Learn about the folklore surrounding Mayor Georg Nusch and the "Legend of the Master Draught," where he allegedly saved the town from destruction by chugging a 3.5-litre tankard of wine in one gulp.
Attend the Master Draught Festival: This festival, held annually on Pentecost weekend, features theatre performances and re-enactments of the legendary act, along with medieval outfits and festivities.
Chill out in the Marktplatz: Hang out in the town centre, enjoy a Bavarian beer, and people-watch.
Visit Toppler Castle: Located in the Enchanted Forest, this castle is one of Germany's smallest and can be toured on Fridays to Sundays between 1pm and 4 pm.
Shop for a cuckoo clock: Rothenburg has several shops selling handcrafted cuckoo clocks, including the famous Käthe Wohlfahrt shop.
Visit the Christmas museum and shop: The Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas museum and shop feature unique Christmas ornaments and decorations, making it a popular spot for Christmas enthusiasts.
Eat some Schneeballen: Schneeballen are sugar-covered balls of pastry crust coated in various toppings, and they are a must-try treat when visiting Rothenburg.

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Bamberg

The Old Town of Bamberg features winding cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, historic squares, and structures from the 11th to 19th centuries. The Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall) is one of the most famous buildings, sitting on its own island in the river and housing the largest collection of Ludwig Porcelain in Europe.

Other notable sights in Bamberg include the Altenburg Castle, which sits atop the highest of the seven hills, and the 17th-century Schloss Seehof palace. Bamberg Cathedral, with its four distinctive green towers, is another must-see. Bamberg is also home to several breweries and the Franconian Brewery Museum, dedicated to the history of beer production in the region.

Be sure to sample the famous Bamberg Rauschbier (smoked beer) while you're in town. Bamberg's old fishermen's houses along the waterfront and its picturesque bridges make it a delightful place to explore.

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Romantic Road

The Romantic Road is a 290-mile route between Würzburg and Füssen in southern Germany, specifically in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. It was devised by travel agents in the 1950s to promote tourism in the region, and it has since become one of the biggest tourist attractions in the area. The route includes picturesque towns and castles, with stunning scenery and culture that many international travellers consider "quintessentially German".

The route begins in Würzburg, a stately baroque town with a large university population. Here, you can visit the 350-room Würzburg Residence, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Germany's grandest palaces, featuring formal gardens and opulent structures.

The next stop is the medieval walled town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of only three towns in Germany with completely intact city walls. This well-preserved town is known for its half-timbered houses, cobblestone lanes, charming fairy-tale spires, ingenious fountains, and neo-Gothic churches.

Further south, you will find Nördlingen, a town that has seemingly kept the past few centuries outside its circular city walls. Nearby, in the village of Harburg, you can visit one of Europe's most stunning medieval castles.

In Steingaden, you can explore the bucolic meadow and plain façade of Wieskirche, a rococo church with a glorious cupola, gilded stucco, and marble balustrades, all illuminated by large windows.

One of the highlights of the Romantic Road is Neuschwanstein Castle, a dramatic castle set against a theatrical landscape of craggy mountains and a blue lake. King Ludwig II devoted 17 years of his life to building this 19th-century edifice, which served as the inspiration for Cinderella's castle at Disneyland. Nearby is Hohenschwangau Castle, where King Ludwig II grew up and spent his summers.

The Romantic Road offers a combination of historic cities, walled towns, castles, vineyards, and fairy-tale villages. It is a popular route for coach parties and cyclists alike, providing an economically important boost to the region.